Filming Diary 2&3

Filming Diary 2 - After talking with Ryan about the different days that we both could and could not do we found that in the recent look of dates there was no time that we were able to go out and get some more footage together. From this Ryan then said that he would go away without me on one of the days that he said he could and filming some more footage, the scenes that did not require me being in many of them.

The day after Ryan's filming we discussed the footage that he had collected. Due to bad weather he was not able to record a lot of footage, but with the amount that we had filmed at this stage every little bit of footage was better than what we did have.

Filming Diary 3 - Yesterday, after a long discussion with Ryan about other filming days that we could both do we found that once again there was little days and times that we could find that we were both able to do. Because of our need to get the final parts of our trailer filmed I decided that I would go out and get some more of the footage that we needed. Because Ryan is the person that kept the props I was only able to plan out some different shots that used me walking about, searching, running, washing and watching.

On filming day, after 2 days of heavy rain the field where we planned to film was water logged and a little flooded. But because the flooding was not that bad I decided to go ahead anyway. After getting my mother to be the camera person I planned some basic shots that I was going to be able to do without the use of props.

Title Idea's Within the Trailer

Thinking about where to have the title showing within our film, although a small part of the process, it is still important for this to be considered when making a film trailer. You want to place it somewhere were the audience are going to notice it most. You don't want to put it too early otherwise the audience will make pre-judgments about the film before they have seen anything about it, where as you don't want to put it too late otherwise the audience may start to get bored while waiting for the film title to show up for them to look up, You don't want it to be on screen for to short as the audience may not get a good chance to remember the title, and you don't want it up for too long so the audience start to loose interest. Placing it during the high action scenes means that the audience will be focusing on what is happening and not what the title is, whereas you don't want to put it up during the slow moments otherwise the audience will begin to associate the film with that slow feeling.

This is why, in my opinion, I feel that the title of the film should be show about 3/4 of the way through the trailer, just after a high action sequence has been shown, that way the audience have had enough time to see what the film is about so that they can begin to associate the film title with what they have seen, also they will associate the film with the high thrill action feeling that we want to get across to the audience. But also allowing the trailer to carry on to show a little more of the emotion side within the film, showing that this film isn't just mindless violence within the threat of becoming infected with this new deadly disease, but that there will also be a solid story for them to follow and get their teeth stuck into.

Filming Diary 1

On Sunday, 16th December, we planned to get some more filming footage. I was not able to be there due to an audition, so we decided that Ryan was going to try and get hold of his friend, Mike, and get some different shots that do not require me to be in the scene.

We are planning for our film to focus around two main characters, played by me and Mike. The trailer will show each of us as individuals surviving on their own, without the assistance from each other. Then they will meet and tensions will be high as in the time and world that they live in has caused them to find it difficult for them to trust others. But for some reason they find something about the other like something they use to remember in the other, (i.e. looking like the others brother or an old friend.) The film will then focus around the trials and tribulations that will fall upon them working together, testing their friendship and their trust of each other.

Footage of CCTV?

We wanted to show the world before the out-break of the infection.

Showing the everyday worries of the people before they had to worry about their lives. To do this we went out and got footage of Ryan accessing a back account, showing the worlds dependence on technology and electricity, which of course would become a problem once there are no people with the job to keep the power going. Giving the audience an idea that there are more troubles that they would have to worry about.

Another problem around the modern day is the idea of being watched by all the CCTV that can be found around

Initial idea for script

When it comes to the script for our trailer, we are trying to rely less of dialogue from the character and more from the actual scenes in which we show.

We are still going to feature some dialogue from our characters, but the ones that we choose will be there to have a designed effect upon our audience.

We are working off the idea that our main character is alone in this world of constant danger, so there will be short moments where he is talking to himself and reminiscing on the past life that he use to have. As well as this there will be short moments shown within this so the audience sees that he will meet other individuals, and also how they will effect him. There will be high tension as he has learnt not to trust the people of the modern world, as most of them have been corrupted by greed and power. They choose to use the threat of the outside world to their advantage, setting up bases and using their safety as bribes for weary travelers that they stumble across.

Alex has experienced these 'Bandits' before and not in a good way, after escaping from captivity the gang has set out a personal vendetta against him. Searching for him ready to kill on sight.


So we are choosing short lines that shows danger, desperation and longing:
"How did this happen?"
"You don't understand!"
"I'm warning you!"
"Drop it!"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Who are you?"
"I just want things to be 'normal' again."
"Leave!"
"I will shoot"

Certification - 18

18 - Suitable for those aged 18 and above

Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behavior, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.

Certification - 15

15 - Suitable for those aged 15 and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Dangerous behavior (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification

Curtification - 12

12 - Suitable for those aged 12 and above

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behavior must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behavior is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.
Imitable behavior
Dangerous behavior (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Certification - PG

PG - Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behavior is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Imitable behavior
No detail of potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Mild bad language only.
Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.
Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behavior.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

Certification - U

U - Universal (Suitable for all)

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.
Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behavior unless clearly disapproved of.
Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.
Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.
Imitable behavior

No potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).
Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
Violence

Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

Feedback

Well done on getting your questionnaire and some location/actor photos uploaded. However, you are still lacking some key elements of the research and planning. Make sure you are filming regularly, and blogging about this as soon as possible afterwards; your first filming diary was posted 14 days after the filming took place, and nothing has been posted for 9 days. You must regularly update your blog. You should also be uploading any online tutorials and writing about what you have learned from them.

Targets:
Storyboard - this is now a matter of urgency
Initial script
Certification research
Practice titles created and uploaded

REMEMBER All filming complete by 20th December.

Sound Track - Creation

Me and Ryan spent a few hours thinking about and creating a sound track for our trailer that we felt would work well. The music would start soft with an acoustic guitar, matching the solemn feel of the clips flashing up of the main characters past. Once around 20-30 seconds have passed then we would introduce the more high action scenes into the trailer, with this sudden change in visual we would have to match that sudden change in emotion with the music. This would be done by a bass line become very prominent, followed by heavier guitar and drums, this continues for another 20-30 seconds and then brakes off into a guitar solo section, in which the bass and drums continue but with less prominence. After around 10-15 seconds of that then the music would return to the heavier of the music sections but would slow down and eventually end with the acoustic guitar coming back in for a few seconds.

 

Allowing the trailer to end with the same feel that it began with, showing that as the days go on within this film of isolation, there are moments in life which pick up, the danger increases or something new gets added to the equation. But all in all it was always return to the feeling of being alone with no comfort.

Possible Extras?

We like the idea of having other characters within our story, but as we have set our main protagonist as a teenager set in isolation fighting for survival.

We feel that the best way to incorporate other characters within the story would be to have them as characters that Alex can come across. This includes new enemy's for him to make and new friends for Alex to find trust in. But from finding friends he increases the chances of being found by gangs and the chances of running into zombies.

Adding in new characters means we can explore the different ways that Alex will interact with each character, then choosing the best reactions and trials they would have to go through we can add them into the trailer and cut out the parts that we feel don't add much to the story.

The Infected

When watching old zombie films they seem to focus more around the idea of the dead coming back to life and popping up our of the closest cemetery to attack the passing humans. While modern day zombie films take the view of a infection. Whether that be because of the military or because of a everyday virus mutating to survive in the harshest way.

We have taken the view of a infection that has been caused by nuclear warfare between Russia and U.S.A. This idea comes from the idea that the two countries fired nuclear rockets towards each other but being shot down by anti-air attacks causing the fallout to set mainly upon the United Kingdom, slowly spreading towards Europe and the U.S, but as they saw it coming they were able to set defenses and keep the infection at bay for now. The UK was taken by a storm that has effected all the people within the country. Adding to the catastrophe the US and Russian nukes were slightly different, causing different mutations and infected to come from these. Increasing the risk for the survivors of the fallout.

Casting - Mathew Beacham - Character: Alex

I have been cast in our trailer as the main character, Alex.

This is because I have the acting experience of 6 years. This allows me to be able to play a convincing character that we need within our film. Also befitting that it makes it easier for us to organise to find filming days.

We view Alex around the age of 15-19 placing me around the acting age for this role. The age allows us to use the stereotype that teenagers are hot-headed, show offs but also bringing in the fact that they are starting to mature into adults. These aspects are going to be increased completely, due to the infection spreading though out the earth. Tensions are going to be high between Alex and anyone he meets.

Alex lost his mother to the infection and separated from his father. Alex has been forced to care for himself and to treat anyone he meets as a possible threat, until proven otherwise. Alex's faith in humanity is slowly fading after his camp being ransacked by bandits and watching a live execution of people who were 'believed' to be infected. Finding comfort from his own isolation he find this was of life easier as he does't have to worry about the well being. Although he does long for a companion. Still being a hormonal teenager he still feels strong emotions of depression, happiness, love and hate. meaning these will have a high effect upon his judgement of people, whether these be true or not, Alex has learnt to trust his gut.

Location - Leatherhead, Swan Center

We chose the Swan Center as a filming location because it allowed us to get footage of masses of people, living their every day lives.
These shots would be used to show a flashback of our Protagonist, Alex, remembering what his life use to be like before the mass contamination.

Allowing the trailer to get a break from the constant feel of danger and hate, taking them to a sight that they will be able to relate to and sympathies for the character.

Recording Diary 1

On the 31st October, We went out to get some footage.
After meeting at 11 we went to the park to discuss what the plan was for the footage what we wanted to get, after looking through the props we had brought to use we realised that the SD Card that is used in the camera was missing. We then went into Leatherhead town to get another SD Card as a replacement. After inserting the new SD Card we went to the centre of town and got some scenery shots of the time before the apocalypse that we would use as flashback memory's for our main protagonist, Alex.

We tested out different shots that we would be able to use with the infected, using the camera as a first person view of either a human being chased by an infected, or as a zombie attacking a human. Featuring a knock over of the camera, this allows us to show the feet of a character without spoiling who they are to the audience.

Looking at costume, we got some of the items that we thought Alex could be wearing, We wanted to spray paint a florescent yellow hat black, When we began to spray the hat the paint turned out to be red. After debate, we realised that the way that the paint sprayed made the red paint look like blood, we decided to keep this as it gives the audience the impression that there has been a lot of death around Alex that he has directly influenced of witnessed.

Location - Leatherhead, Masion Gardens

Mansion Gardens provides a location in which shows an open garden, showing the beauty that is man made, showing contrast to the ugly present of the humans being infected with this highly degenerative virus.

Providing a prime location to show characters, hiding, running, or even a confrontation between characters.

Casting Change

Originally we planned on having a group of mixed teenagers as our protagonists, meaning we are able to use the different characteristics to explore different views about the infestation.

We were planning on filming over the half term, but after planning and confirming a date that actors could do, people began to cancel. Causing us to have to change the date of recording. This was not much of a problem as it was easy enough to change the date, the problem came when the actors were unable to do this date as well, then after another attempt at getting a date, that turned out the same way, we decided that it was going to be too difficult to get everyone on a day that they could all do. Forcing us to not be able to film.

Due to the actors being unreliable, we are forced to rethink the casting and character. In response to the problems that had been brought up we have decided to re-script and cut the extra characters out. The script that we have created is easily changed to fit a film following the path of two individuals rather than a group of six/seven.

Location - Leatherhead Meadows

One location that we are planning on using is Leatherhead Meadows. We feel that this will be a good location for a zombie film, the location is isolated and open. Perfect location to show people attempting to survive on their own, or to show a large number on zombies.

We feel that the use of an open ground will allow the trailer to show the characters in a number of different locations. Getting different shots and showing at different times of the day to show the constant threat.

Also providing the natural look of the location gives a contrast to the scene. From the actors you see panic and frustration, trying to stay alive with this new danger, while the location gives natural beauty, peace and tranquility. This gives the characters a prime location to have their 'base' as it gives them a place to retreat to and relax without having to worry about the ever-growing threat.

Questionnaire - Results

Mrs Martin
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[X]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[  ]     Male
[  ]     Female
[X]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[X]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[  ]     In the past
[X]     Present
[X]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[  ]     Yes
[X]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[X]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
N/A




Miss Mckinney
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[X]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[  ]     Male
[  ]     Female
[X]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[X]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[  ]     In the past
[  ]     Present
[X]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[  ]     Yes
[X]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[X]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
The action and quality of acting




Student
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[X]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[X]     Male
[  ]     Female
[X]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[X]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[  ]     In the past
[X]     Present
[  ]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[X]     Yes
[  ]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[X]     Characters
[  ]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
Funny and Gory




Student
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[X]     No
[  ]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[X]     Male
[  ]     Female
[  ]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[  ]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[X]     In the past
[  ]     Present
[  ]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[  ]     Yes
[X]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[X]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
N/A




Student
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[X]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[  ]     Male
[  ]     Female
[X]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[  ]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[  ]     In the past
[  ]     Present
[X]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[X]     Yes
[X]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[X]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[  ]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
Killing the zombies




Student
   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[X]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[  ]     Male
[X]     Female
[  ]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[X]     Action
[  ]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[X]     In the past
[  ]     Present
[  ]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[  ]     Yes
[X]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[X]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
Lots of tension and craziness. To see the normal done differently, eg empty locations that are not normally empty. Plus sexual appeal from the female characters.

Questionnaire

   1. Do you enjoy watching Zombie films?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No
[  ]     Depends on the plot/content


   2. What kind of main character(s) do you like to see?
[  ]     Male
[  ]     Female
[  ]     Group of mixed
[  ]     Group of male
[  ]     Group of female


   3. What sub-genre do you like seeing within a zombie film?
[  ]     Action
[  ]     Comedy
[  ]     Romance


   4. When would you prefer to have a zombie film set?
[  ]     In the past
[  ]     Present
[  ]     A few years into the future
[  ]     Around 15 years into the future


   5. Would you prefer to see a zombie film with the protagonist closer to your age?
[  ]     Yes
[  ]     No


   6. What would you want a zombie film trailer to show?
[  ]     Death
[  ]     Hints of plot
[  ]     Characters
[  ]     All of the above


   7. What about zombie films appeals to you?
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Feedback

Well done on getting the audience profiling posts done. Your blog is looking very detailed in terms of research. You should now move on to focus on the planning aspect.

To complete over half term:
Location and actor photos/profiles, along with an explanation as to why they are appropriate for your chosen genre.
Questionnaire (and feedback) about your initial ideas.
Initial storyboard.

Poster Inpirations

I came up with a idea for a poster which i was very dissappointed when i found out that in fact it is a design by Olly Moss. his style of abstract posters is something i would very much like to do. We shall be creating two posters one a abstract and one a normal film poster.
Here are some of Olly Moss' designs:
The Hand design is the one that i wished to do but we have worked with the art department in a our college to help us design our poster. 

Budget & Box Office

Film budgets and Takings with similar genre to the one we are looking at:

Audience Profile - Resident Evil (1,2,3,4 & 5)

Resident Evil

Resident Evil: Apocalypse

Resident Evil: Extinction

Resident Evil: Afterlife

Resident Evil: Retribution

Audience Profile - The Crazies

Audience Profile - 28 Days Later

Audience Profile - Shaun of the Dead

Audience Profile - Zombieland

The horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss -- but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee is an AK-toting, zombie-slaying' bad ass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita and Little Rock, who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies.

As seen within the table, the audience members were mainly aged between 15-24. This would be because at this age people seek a thrill, they are always looking for the next thing that is going to bring them excitement in any way, shape or form. At this age they are able to watch films that feature gore and a sexual nature. What else can you suspect to see within a film filled with blood spewing, flesh munching decaying people? The film will allow them to get the thrill from seeing a zombies head being smashed in while also being able to get a laugh from the characters. The film's character allow the audience to be able to connect with the characters as they seem like every day people that you would see in the street. Instead on focusing around the group of ex-police who are highly trained with fire arms, you follow around one character who has a list of things wrong with him, who is also a is extremely scared of the zombies that he is fighting against. while also adding in a complete contrast of a man who seem to have been waiting for the zombie apocalypse his whole life. Seeing short clips of him getting overly excited about killing the zombies in an almost sick and twisted way. But ever bad-ass has his weakness, and for Woody Harleson this would be the need to find a Twinkie.

Within that we see that the film mainly attracted a male audience. This would be because, males are known for their love of gory films while females are known for looking more into the character development, wanting to see a film where they can connect to the characters and wanting to feel for those characters. But this does not get away from the fact that a female audience was attracted, this would be because, although it wasn't a main focus within the film, you can see the character development. You watch the bonds between the two main male characters as they get closer to each other and begin to depend on the others strengths to help them survive. While also watching the two female characters protecting each other as they have their sister bond. Finally mixing the two groups together and watching a love story begin to unfold.

Audience Profile - Dawn of the Dead

As seen from the statistics from when Dawn of the Dead what in cinemas, the film attracted mostly an mid-teens to mid-thirty's audience. Meaning that the themes of zombies has an attraction to the generation that are seen as the more lively and energetic. Zombie films are normally packed with high anticipated moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats as they wonder if their favorite character is going to survive, win the heart of their love or find the cure for the zombie infection. Also featuring jump scare moments, where the scene seems calm but is suddenly disrupted by a sudden event such as being found by the zombies or being attacked by a rival gang, ect.

This hints that with the fear used of the dead coming back to life/people becoming infected and eating the people they love, means that the film is not going to appeal to the younger generation who are more susceptible to the ideas given off by films bringing them into a form of Mean World Syndrome theory as given by George Gerbner. As they will begin to believe what they see within the film and begin to believe that this is going to happen some time soon. Leading to fears such as Nyctophobia (Fear of the dark) and Necrophobia (Fear of the dead).

Although attracting little, but some attention from the older generation towards the film from 35 to 45+ means that although very little, there is still some audiences that can be reached that you wouldn't think would. The idea of survival is a highly enjoyed subject within films as it allows those high adrenalin moments, watching the bonds between people being forged and broken and the slow intense moments of realisation or heart break.

Results show that although predominantly male the film still attracted an almost equal attraction between males and female. Stereo-typically the males are there for the action, from the gin fights, chase scenes and of course the slaughtering of the zombies, while the females are there to watch the relationships of the characters and how they come together in moments of need, but also fall apart and move away from the group as they fear for their own or the others safety. But both of these factors apply to both of the sexs although more than the other they still matter. Both men and women will share in the moment of at least a near tear when a few minuets from the end of the film, when all was though to be okay, the main characters best friend or love interest is killed suddenly, leaving the protagonist alone with the choice to escape and start a new life with the memory of their loved ones or to take end their own life so that all the pain, suffereing and misery can end.

Character Introduction

The characters within any post-apocalyptic film really change the dimensions and feel of the film. if you have hardened unemotional characters looking at the scenario as a simple job to do. killing zombies and remain unattached would make for a far more action/comedic based film similar to Zombieland where as if you focus more upon the state of emotion or the lack of human interaction outside any of the groups. This portrayal of the emotion side as well as containing some action is famously known from I Am Legend. where the character displays bonds with a dog and mannequins but also displays mental breakdown believing they are real.

We will be exploring more of a emotion based characterisation though we have yet to experiment with the characters and the script.

Audience Profile - I am Legend

From this table we can see that I am Legend was mostly seen by males aged 15-34. But still attracted a lot of attention from the female audience as well, this could have been because of the emotional connection between Robert Neville (Will Smith) and his dog Sammy. The connection between Robert and Sammy struck the audience strait to the heart. Weather it's because Sammy was Robert's last connection to his family who died during the evacuation, or because he is Roberts only companion in a world where he is the last man. Either way the scene in which Robert has to kill Sammy effected the whole of the audience.

Mood Board



1- This image shows a zombie. We have chosen this image because we are wanting to set our film in a post-apocalyptic world that have been over run with an outbreak or a virus, causing all infected to loose all memory, become cannibalistic and increasing the rate in which the body decays.

2- Here we see a gun. This was chosen as we want the audience to feel that the surviving humans have abandoned all hope in searching for a cure as the outbreak has accelerated at an incredible rate. The humans have realised it is either fight or die in this world that they once knew as home.

3- We have chosen Weybridge Gravel Pit as a location for our film. This is because the location has been abandoned and gives an eery atmosphere. Also from the look of the location it seems the prime place to set up a base for the surviving group to 'set up camp'. If not for this reason we found that this location would be great to set some infected up in the background show off that the infected have over run the world and can be found in nearly every location.

4- This image shows a character from the hit TV series The Walking Dead. We chose this kind of character as we feel that the film would need a range of ages throughout, one of which being the old man who blurts out wise and pointless speeches on how they survived the war and such nonsense as that. But also for the idea that he will bring that wise and kick-ass character into the group.

5- Here we see a lone man and a dog walking down an empty road. This image was chosen more for the shot that has been used, we want a shot that sets up the idea of isolation but also gives the character that idea of hope that they continue their journey because they hope that it will all fine in the end.

6- Ruben Fleischer, Director of Zombieland. I chose him because he came around a good way for showing some good zombie shots and the destruction that they have caused on the world. He can make the audience feel like the characters are completely isolated. This is a key feature that makes a post-apocalyptic film, the feeling of isolation. Although Zombieland is a comedy there were many scenes with zombies which felt like an action.

7- Woody Harrelson is an actor who played one of the lead characters within the film Zombieland, Tallahassee. The character that he brought into the film was the 'bad-ass', enjoying the fact he gets to kill zombies, character. This character would be able to bring a comedic side to a serious film and a prime character for the audience to 'relate to'.

8- This image shows a duster coat, commonly seen within western films. Used when riding horses to stop the dust damaging their clothes and guns. We chose this as a piece of costume as it allows the wearer to conceal on themselves. Also this allows for a recognizable piece of costume that will allow the audience to identify the character wearing it in any situation.

9- This image shows a black and white image of zombies occupying a field. We felt that this was a good clip to replicate, minus the black and white, because it shows the extent of the infection outbreak. Even places that you viewed as isolated have been over run.

10- This image shows a lone man, wearing a doctors uniform, walking through an empty street that has been abandoned from effects of the out-break. We chose this image as it is a shot that we would like to recreate. It gives the idea that even though the world has been plunged into this empty and dangerous world they still have to try and make life as normal as they can. Such as finding supplies and moving them around.

11- Here we see the sun setting, this was chosen to give the audience that no matter what time of day it is within this world there is always a strong feel of danger. This image was chosen to give a sense of time for the audience.

12- Finally we see a group of infected in a forest at the dead of night. This was chosen as a use of inspiration for possible scenes that we could try to create. The night shows once again that there is danger at all times, also playing off a fear of the dark. (The fear of dark is highly misconstrued, people don't have a fear of the dark. They have a fear of what is in the dark, more commonly referred to as 'fear of the unknown/unseen) We have taken this fear and are now giving them something to fear.

Feedback

There is some detailed analysis here, with evidence of analysis of similar products. Planning should now be underway and you can begin to evidence this through storyboarding, photos of actors/characters etc, along with explanations as to how your choices are appropriate for your chosen genre.

Targets:
Mood board to be completed and published, along with an explanation of why you have chosen the images.
Audience profiling posts - there is some in your film pitch, but more analysis of what type of audiences have been to see similar films to yours
Upload film pitch.

Conventions of the Action genre

The Protagonist is often considered a prime male specimen with a muscular character appealing to the men in the idea of wanting to be the character and the woman with the idea of a romance with that character. The Character will often have to perform self-surgery, is intelligent, strong, tough and often has a romantic interest in which he must protect or rescue sometimes both. The sex of the Protagonist can change as the characters are easily balanced. a good example of a female Protagonist is Lara Croft Tomb Raider

The Antagonist will often be the ying to the Protagonists yang being opposite and well matched. He often will appear an intellectual equal and both have respect for each other. More often then not the Antagonist will be an old friend/associate of the Protagonist who has been betrayed or believes they were betrayed by the Protagonist or someone they must protect. 

With the action genre there are many things you can expect to see. These include; Fast cars, bullets, guns, explosions, hot girls, beautiful scenery, violence and the fall and rise of the hero. These all work together to create a action filled film with a emotional attachment with the hero rising over everything that has been thrown at them.

Conventions of the Horror genre

Across a majority of horror films the common theme is pain of the physical being. most victims tend to be young attractive females or truly unkind yobs.

The conventions of mainstream horror include the supernatural, suspense, and shock scares. Creepy young children and nursery rhymes tend to fulfill a villain capacity, as well as old women, and demonic possession. torture porn is the erotication of gruesome acts. Films like Saw heavily use these styles of slasher horror.

Some of the more popular horror films of recent years, such as Paranormal Activity and REC feature a found-footage style, providing a modicum of realism which seems to attract the masses. These films attempt to portray the events as being 'real' and filmed by amateurs indicating that all the events that they experienced are a very real possibility of them happening to you.

Conventions of the Romance genre

What is true love? Does love at first sight exist? Why do all romance film portray a perfect ending.

The lead is often vulnerable, socially awkward often in a situation where they have just had a hard time romantically. He/She will fall for the unattainable member of the opposite sex. There will be something stopping them from being together most normally a love triangle.

Romantic movies can be divided into many sub-genres, the romantic comedy being the most popular, with an almost universal audience. Teen romances have distinct cliches, such as the jock and cheerleader characters, and many romances are set around a particular situation, such as a wedding or a party. Other romances can span years, such as The Notebook or time travel romance The Time Traveler's Wife.